Popowich Wins Bronze at U16 Challenge Cup

The Vancouver Giants would like to congratulate prospect forward Tyler Popowich on winning a bronze medal with Team BC at the 2015 Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup! BC defeated Saskatchewan 7-2 earlier today to finish in third place. Prospects Alex Kannok-Leipert, Kaleb Bulych and Kaeden Taphorn were all on Team Saskatchewan.

Popowich finished the tournament with two goals in five games. The Surrey native, who the Giants selected third overall in the 2015 WHL Bantam Draft, netted 25 goals and 32 assists while playing for the Okanagan Hockey Academy Bantam Prep team during the 2014/15 season. This year, he has three goals and three assists in nine games with the OHA Midget Prep White team.

Kannok-Leipert netted one goal and one assist in four games for Team Saskatchewan. He was drafted by the Giants in the fourth round of the 2015 Bantam Draft at 79th overall. The Regina native played for the Regina Monarchs Bantam AA team in 2014/15, tallying 16 goals and 12 assists in 29 games. In 2015/16, he has picked up one goal and one assist in 12 games with the Regina Pat Canadians Midget AAA team.

Bulych, who hails from Yorkton, Saskatchewan, had one assist in four games at the tournament. He went to Vancouver in the second round of the 2015 Bantam Draft at 27th overall. Bulych had 13 goals and 20 assists in 31 games with the Yorkton UCT Terriers Bantam AA team in 2014/15. This season, the young defenseman has four assists in 10 games with the Yorkton RawTec Maulers Midget AAA team.

Taphorn finished the tournament with one goal in four games. He was a third round pick of the Giants at 47th overall this past summer. The Yorkton native scored 101 points (41 goals, 60 assists) in 31 games playing alongside Bulych for the Yorkton UCT Terriers last season. This year, Taphorn has three goals and five assists in 10 games for the Yorkton RawTec Maulers Midget AAA team.

The Giants host the Tri-City Americans today at the Pacific Coliseum. Puck drop is at 5:00pm. For tickets, click here or call 604-4-GIANTS (604-444-2687).

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